4 Nights isle of man
You’ll never be short of something to see and do during your visit to the Isle of Man
whether you’re looking for action packed fun or the opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
A true adventure playground for lovers of the great outdoors, the Island’s varied terrain and extensive coastline lends itself perfectly to those who want to get their blood pumping.
Whether you’re a thrill seeker who wants to try your hand at watersports, a mountain biker keen to explore some of the best trails in the British Isles
or a walker keen to scale the challenging coastal footpaths – you’ll find an activity to suit.
Don’t forget to look out for the wildlife which calls the Island home! Join in with the motorsport action in the world famous mecca for racing fans
– tour the TT course on a trike, hire a quad bike and journey into the heart of the countryside or try trail riding on the Island’s greenlanes.
Getting around the Island is easy – why not travel in style on the unique heritage railways?
Try going south by steam, north by electric or take the Snaefell Mountain Railway to the summit of the Island’s only mountain.
Legend has it that the Isle of Man was created when the Irish giant Finn MacCooill threw a chunk of earth from Ireland’s coastline towards Scotland, when in battle,
which promptly landed in the Irish Sea and became the Isle of Man. Of course we can’t be sure of the truth in this tale but for an Island of such modest size,
measuring just 33 miles in length and 13 miles in width, you’ll find the Isle of Man really is larger than life!
whether you’re looking for action packed fun or the opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
A true adventure playground for lovers of the great outdoors, the Island’s varied terrain and extensive coastline lends itself perfectly to those who want to get their blood pumping.
Whether you’re a thrill seeker who wants to try your hand at watersports, a mountain biker keen to explore some of the best trails in the British Isles
or a walker keen to scale the challenging coastal footpaths – you’ll find an activity to suit.
Don’t forget to look out for the wildlife which calls the Island home! Join in with the motorsport action in the world famous mecca for racing fans
– tour the TT course on a trike, hire a quad bike and journey into the heart of the countryside or try trail riding on the Island’s greenlanes.
Getting around the Island is easy – why not travel in style on the unique heritage railways?
Try going south by steam, north by electric or take the Snaefell Mountain Railway to the summit of the Island’s only mountain.
Legend has it that the Isle of Man was created when the Irish giant Finn MacCooill threw a chunk of earth from Ireland’s coastline towards Scotland, when in battle,
which promptly landed in the Irish Sea and became the Isle of Man. Of course we can’t be sure of the truth in this tale but for an Island of such modest size,
measuring just 33 miles in length and 13 miles in width, you’ll find the Isle of Man really is larger than life!
Gaiety Theatre
One of the finest entertainment venues in the British Isles. Boasting a year round programme of top class entertainment including shows, musicals, pantomimes, plays and concerts you’ll be sure to find something to visit for during your time in the Island. The Gaiety, which is home to the only surviving Corsican Trap in the British Isles, played host to the Hollywood film Me and Orson Welles in 2008, providing the backdrop for the story and replicating the Mercury Theatre in New York in 1937. Visitors can learn more about this by taking part in a theatre tour. These are led by knowledgeable theatre staff who will regale stories of the magnificent venue and show you the behind the scenes action. The Gaiety Theatre also has a dark side. If you’re interested in the supernatural don’t miss the chance to visit the theatre on an organised ghost walk where you’ll find out, amongst other things, about the lady that’s said to haunt seat B14! |
Steam Railway
Experience the grandeur of travelling between Douglas and the south of the Island on a Victorian railway perfectly frozen in time. The Isle of Man Steam Railway is the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain and was opened in 1874. The three foot narrow gauge railway still runs with its original locomotives and carriages through the Island’s charming countryside between the Island’s capital and a range of destinations in the south. Originally the southern route, which is around 15 and a half miles long, was part of a much larger steam railway network which used to serve Peel in the west, Ramsey in the north and the small mining village of Foxdale. Many of the Island’s heritage attractions in the south of the Island are located near to railway stations making it a convenient way to travel. Simply sit back and revel in the spectacular Manx scenery and countryside as it gradually passes by you. |
Villa Marina
The modern complex consists of a colonnade area, veranda, arcade and magnificent Royal Hall which seats 1500 and plays host to a year round programme of entertainment.Blends Edwardian grandeur, comfort and state of the art sound and lighting, welcomes top class musicians, comedians, bands, entertainers, DJs and personalities to the Isle of Man each year. The spacious dance floor also attracts dance competitions, sporting events, club nights and a number of gala style events. Impressive Wurlitzer organ which is the focal point of the venue. A number of daytime and evening concerts, including live acoustic performances by local musicians, are held in the arcade. Broadway Cinema, which is located within the Villa Marina complex, also screens nightly showings of the latest blockbusters. The Villa Marina also hosts a number of conferences, meetings, exhibitions and functions throughout the year. |
Snaefell Mountain Railway
Let the Snaefell Mountain Railway transport you to the summit of the Island’s only mountain where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Seven Kingdoms. This unique Victorian enterprise, which is around five miles long, has been in operation since 1895 and is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. You can start your journey in Douglas or in the pretty village of Laxey on the east coast - then simply sit back and relax as you are transported through the beautiful Manx countryside. En route you’ll be able to see the Laxey glens and Lady Isabella – Laxey’s water wheel – as well as the Bungalow, a famous TT landmark and only other stop on the line. Once you have reached Snaefell’s summit, at 2,036 feet above sea level, you may be able to see some, or all, of the Seven Kingdoms - England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the kingdoms of heaven and the sea. There are no roads to the summit of Snaefell but there are a number of paths that lead to the Bungalow, and Laxey, for those visitors who want to make their own way up or down the mountain. |
Peel Castle
Follow in the footsteps of Christian missionaries, kings and Viking warriors to the impressive ancient fortress and site of religious importance. Situated on St Patrick’s Isle, Peel Castle was originally a place of worship before becoming the fort of Magnus Barefoot – an 11th century Viking King of Mann. The castle’s curtain wall encircles the ruins of many buildings which are a testimony to the site’s religious and secular importance in Manx history. Visit St Patrick’s Church and the Round Tower which date back to the 10th and 11th centuries and step underground into the atmospheric crypt of the 13th century Cathedral of St German. You’ll have the opportunity to stroll the castle’s extensive grounds and climb to the top of the Gatehouse Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views of Peel and beyond as well as entering the 16th century Great Garrison Hall. And look out for the Moddey Dhoo – a ghostly apparition of a black dog which is said to haunt the castle! Peel Castle remained a royal residence and centre of government for more than 200 years until power moved south to the Medieval fortress of Castle Rushen. |
Calf of Man
The Sound Visitor Centre in Port St Mary is one of the most picturesque points in the south of the Island. The large cafe, which has been built into the headland, offers 180 degree panoramic views of the surrounding area and is perfect for those looking for a full meal, light snack or just a cup of tea. Adjoining the café is the visitor centre which contains a wealth of information about the history of the area including the Calf of Man which is an Island directly opposite. Learn about the ships that sank tragically in the area, and the subsequent wrecks that entertain divers, the swirling tidal races that are popular with adventurous kayakers and the bird observatory which is located on the Calf of Man. The waters around the Sound and Calf of Man are full of wildlife. The small rocky islet, known as Kitterland, which is located in the middle of both areas, is a hotspot for seals who can be found sunbathing on the rocks. The area is also frequented by dolphins and basking sharks. Walkers will also appreciate the coastal footpaths which lead to Port Erin or Spanish Head, Cregneash and the Chasms in Port St Mary. |